Chickpea
Chickpea
Chickpea is commonly known as Chana. It is a rich source of protein and fiber. Since Chickpea is rich in protein, it makes an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets. Chickpea also provide a variety of minerals and vitamins.
Regular intake of Chickpea is beneficial to maintain skin health due to its strong antioxidant activity. The proteins and fiber present in Chickpea help manage appetite and improve digestion which ultimately helps manage weight. Chickpea is also beneficial for diabetics as it helps control the blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. Chickpea might reduce the risk of developing heart diseases due to its antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties.
If Chickpea is consumed without soaking in water or if taken in fried form, it may cause gas and bloating[2-4].
Regular intake of Chickpea is beneficial to maintain skin health due to its strong antioxidant activity. The proteins and fiber present in Chickpea help manage appetite and improve digestion which ultimately helps manage weight. Chickpea is also beneficial for diabetics as it helps control the blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. Chickpea might reduce the risk of developing heart diseases due to its antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties.
If Chickpea is consumed without soaking in water or if taken in fried form, it may cause gas and bloating[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Chickpea?
Cicer arietinum, Imas, Chholaa, Bengal gram, Chana, Gram, Chanya, Buut, Chunnaa, Chane, Chholaa, Kadale, Katal, Harbaraa, Katalai, Kadalai, Kondakkadalai, Sangalu[1]
What is the source of Chickpea?
Plant Based
Benefits of Chickpea
1. Diabetes
Chickpeas help to maintain normal blood sugar level. This is because Chickpeas have a different glycemic response as compared to others legumes. The carbohydrates present in Chickpeas are absorbed slowly due to its Guru (heavy) property. As a result of which there does not occur a spike in glucose level after eating Chickpeas.
Tips:
a. Soak the Chickpeas overnight.
b. Boil them the next day until they become properly cooked.
c. Add vegetables to it like onion, cucumber, tomato, sweet corn etc. as per your requirement.
d. Add few drops of lemon juice and salt as per your taste.
e. Have it before or along with meals.
2. Obesity
Chickpeas help to maintain normal body weight by controlling excessive craving for food. Chickpeas takes time to digest and produces a feeling of abdominal fullness. This is due to its Guru (heavy) property.
Tips:
a. Soak the Chickpeas overnight.
b. Boil them the next day until they become properly cooked.
c. Add vegetables to it like onion, cucumber, tomato, sweet corn etc. as per your requirement.
d. Add few drops of lemon juice and salt as per your taste.
e. Have it before or along with meals.
Chickpeas help to maintain normal blood sugar level. This is because Chickpeas have a different glycemic response as compared to others legumes. The carbohydrates present in Chickpeas are absorbed slowly due to its Guru (heavy) property. As a result of which there does not occur a spike in glucose level after eating Chickpeas.
Tips:
a. Soak the Chickpeas overnight.
b. Boil them the next day until they become properly cooked.
c. Add vegetables to it like onion, cucumber, tomato, sweet corn etc. as per your requirement.
d. Add few drops of lemon juice and salt as per your taste.
e. Have it before or along with meals.
2. Obesity
Chickpeas help to maintain normal body weight by controlling excessive craving for food. Chickpeas takes time to digest and produces a feeling of abdominal fullness. This is due to its Guru (heavy) property.
Tips:
a. Soak the Chickpeas overnight.
b. Boil them the next day until they become properly cooked.
c. Add vegetables to it like onion, cucumber, tomato, sweet corn etc. as per your requirement.
d. Add few drops of lemon juice and salt as per your taste.
e. Have it before or along with meals.
Precautions when using Chickpea
FAQs about Chickpea precautions
How to use Chickpea
1. Chickpea Salad
a. Soak the Chickpeas overnight.
b. Boil them till they become properly cooked.
c. Add vegetables like onion, cucumber, tomato, sweet corn etc. as per your requirement to it.
d. Add few drops of lemon juice and salt as per your taste.
e. Have it before or along with meals.
a. Soak the Chickpeas overnight.
b. Boil them till they become properly cooked.
c. Add vegetables like onion, cucumber, tomato, sweet corn etc. as per your requirement to it.
d. Add few drops of lemon juice and salt as per your taste.
e. Have it before or along with meals.
Benefits of Chickpea
FAQs about Chickpea benefits
1. Acne
Chickpeas help to reduce acne when applied on the skin in the form of flour. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores which results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta, is marked by the appearance of some red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Chickpea flour on the affected area helps to reduce acne because of its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties. It also reduces inflammation due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Make a paste of overnight soaked Chickpeas.
b. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of the paste.
c. Add turmeric powder to it.
d. Evenly apply on the face and neck.
e. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
f. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
g. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne.
2. Hyperpigmentation
Chickpeas help to control hyperpigmentation due to its Pitta balancing property. It reduces excess oil from the skin and gives a brighter, even complexion. It also helps in healing of the skin due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Chickpea flour.
b. Mix with lemon juice and water to make a paste.
c. Apply on the face.
d. Wait for 15 -30 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water by massaging with circular motion using your finger tips.
f. Repeat thrice a week to control hyperpigmentation.
Chickpeas help to reduce acne when applied on the skin in the form of flour. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores which results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta, is marked by the appearance of some red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Chickpea flour on the affected area helps to reduce acne because of its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties. It also reduces inflammation due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Make a paste of overnight soaked Chickpeas.
b. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of the paste.
c. Add turmeric powder to it.
d. Evenly apply on the face and neck.
e. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
f. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
g. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne.
2. Hyperpigmentation
Chickpeas help to control hyperpigmentation due to its Pitta balancing property. It reduces excess oil from the skin and gives a brighter, even complexion. It also helps in healing of the skin due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Chickpea flour.
b. Mix with lemon juice and water to make a paste.
c. Apply on the face.
d. Wait for 15 -30 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water by massaging with circular motion using your finger tips.
f. Repeat thrice a week to control hyperpigmentation.
How to use Chickpea
1. Chickpea turmeric facepack
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of soaked Chickpea paste.
b. Add turmeric powder to it.
c. Evenly apply on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water by massaging with circular motion.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne and dark spots.
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of soaked Chickpea paste.
b. Add turmeric powder to it.
c. Evenly apply on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water by massaging with circular motion.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of acne and dark spots.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The flavour and taste of Chickpeas is good. It is an all time favorite cuisines in the world and can be enjoyed in various recipes.
Modern Science View
Chickpeas are not nuts and belong to leguminous family.
Modern Science View
Yes, Chickpeas can be freezed even in soaked form. It may remain fresh for 3-4 days if properly freezed. For proper freezing remove all the water from the Chickpeas and put them in an airtight container.
Modern Science View
Chickpeas are an excellent source of carbohydrates and proteins, which constitute about 80% of the total dry seed weight. Dried Chickpeas contain about 20% protein. The bulk of the seed is made up of carbohydrates (61%) and 5% fat. Crude fiber is mostly located within the seed coat[2].
Modern Science View
Studies suggest that it is safe to eat Chickpeas as it is rich in proteins and fibre. But it is advisable not to eat in excess[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Chickpeas can cause gas if it is eaten without soaking or if taken in fried form. This is because it takes time to digest due to its Guru (heavy) property. So it is recommended to soak and cook Chickpeas properly to prevent gas and for proper digestion.
Modern Science View
Yes, Chickpeas may be beneficial for weight management. Chickpeas have a low glycemic index and are rich in dietary fibre, proteins and resistant starch. It thus gets digested slowly and helps you feel full for a longer time. Chickpeas also reduce fat accumulation in obese individuals thus improving fat metabolism in the body[3][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chickpeas are considered to be a Superfood. Superfoods, conventional or processed, have numerous benefits when consumed. Chickpeas are referred to as Superfoods as they are rich in essential proteins, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. They have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and anti-cancer activity along with many other medicinal benefits. They are good for maintaining blood glucose levels, lowering cholesterol and managing obesity as well as cardiovascular problems[2][4][8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chickpeas may be useful in managing diabetes. Chickpeas are rich in resistant starch and amylose that get digested slowly in the small intestines. This leads to reduced release of sugar in the blood thereby reducing the demand for insulin. Also, Chickpeas have a fairly low glycemic index (GI). Studies state that foods with low GI helps in better blood sugar management[3][4][21].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Chickpeas do contain protein involved in muscle building[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chickpeas may be useful in managing gastritis (also known as Dyspepsia) as well as its symptoms such as flatulence[2][4][9].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chickpeas may be useful in lowering high cholesterol level. Chickpeas are rich in phytosterols and fibre. It reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, thus lowering total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood[2][4][6].
Modern Science View
Chickpeas are good to eat during pregnancy due to its multiple benefits. It is rich in iron and helps in energy production and metabolism. Chickpeas have folates that prevent birth defects in babies. They also contain vitamin B6 and proteins which are good for the baby. The dietary fibers prevent in Chickpeas also prevent constipation[8-10].
Modern Science View
Chickpea flour or gram flour is a gluten-free flour obtained from grounding raw Chickpeas. It is high in proteins, unsaturated fat, dietary fibers, vitamins, iron, and minerals. So it is a good replacement for normal flour. It helps to control blood sugar levels due to which it is good for diabetic patients. It is also rich in antioxidants and thus helps the body to fight against free radicals and prevent cell damage[7].
Ayurvedic View
Chickpea flour is derived from Chickpea grains. It helps to manage some conditions like diarrhea and improves internal strength due to its Grahi (absorbent) and Balya (strength provider) properties. This helps to control frequent motions and maintains good health.
Modern Science View
Yes, it is ok to eat Chickpeas at night, in fact, they can be eaten at any time of day. Chickpeas are rich in vitamin B6, magnesium and a constituent (tryptophan) which helps in getting a healthy and sound sleep[6].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific data is not available about the effect of excessive intake of Chickpea on brain health, Chickpeas might be good for the brain as they are rich in magnesium. It helps in the proper functioning of brain cells. Magnesium also helps relax blood vessels, allowing more blood flow to the brain and helps in managing depression[11].
Modern Science View
Studies suggest that Chickpea has potent antioxidant activity. Thus it is useful in reversing the effects of ageing. It is also beneficial to maintain the health of the skin and keeps it glowing and younger[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chickpea may be good for the skin. Chickpea has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-aging property. It helps remove excess oil from the skin and control pimple. Chickpea flour when mixed with turmeric, milk and lemon can be applied on the skin. It helps to reduce scars and brings a glow to the skin[2][4][10][11].
Modern Science View
Chickpea powder or flour face mask has many benefits as it exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells. It helps to open skin pores, brighten the skin and draws out impurities from the skin. Chickpea powder also absorbs extra oil, reduce sun damage and evens out skin tone[5].
Tip
1. Take 1 tablespoon of Chickpea powder and add enough water to form a paste.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt, ¼ teaspoon turmeric and ½ teaspoon sandalwood powder to this paste.
3. Mix properly to form a smooth paste.
4. Wet face and apply evenly in a circular motion.
5. Leave for 15 minutes and wash with warm water[5].
Tip
1. Take 1 tablespoon of Chickpea powder and add enough water to form a paste.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt, ¼ teaspoon turmeric and ½ teaspoon sandalwood powder to this paste.
3. Mix properly to form a smooth paste.
4. Wet face and apply evenly in a circular motion.
5. Leave for 15 minutes and wash with warm water[5].
Ayurvedic View
Chickpea powder face mask helps to manage acne or blemishes which generally occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha. This is due to the Ropana (healing), Sita (cold) and Pitta-Kapha balancing properties of Chickpea.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
- Al-Snafi AE. The medical Importance of Cicer arietinum - A review. IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy.2016;6.
- Zafar TA, Kabir Y.Chickpeas suppress postprandial blood glucose concentration, and appetite and reduce energy intake at the next meal.J Food Sci Technol. 2017 Mar;54(4):987-994.
- Jukanti AK, Gaur PM, Gowda CL, et al.Nutritional quality and health benefits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): A review.Br J Nutr.2012;108(1):11-26.
- .Rose S.Whole Beauty: Masks & Scrubs: Natural Beauty Recipes for Ultimate Self-Care.Artisan Division of Workman Publishing.2019.
- Meyer K.Chapter 3-Foods that promote peaceful sleep. Eat to Sleep: What to Eat and When to Eat It for a Good Night's Sleep―Every Night. Adams Media. 2019.1 edition.70-71.
- Love LS. Chickpea Flour Does It All: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian Recipes for Every Taste and Season. The Experiment.2016.4-6.
- Restpro M.Master Plants Cookbook: The 33 Most Healing Superfoods for Optimum Health.Running Press Adult .2016.
- Price J,Blayney D.Essential Vegetarian Cookbook.Allen & Unwin. 2004:20.
- Fares C,Menga V.Chapter 41: Chickpea(Cicer arietinum L) Fortification of cereal-based foods to increase fibre and nutrient content.Wheat and Rice in Disease Prevention and Health: Benefits, risks and mechanisms of whole grains in health promotion.Academic Press.2014:533-34.
- Shukla TP.Chapter3:Body,mind and their connections depend on the food we eat.Our Genes,Our Foods,Our Choices.Author House.2014:61-62.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.